NEW DAD GILLES SIMON LOOKS FORWARD TO LOSING TO NADAL

French tennis player, Gilles Simon, is mounting a comeback after a season of struggle, injury, and. . .making a baby. After taking out Philipp Kohlschreiber in five sets on Friday, he told reporters that he had become a father just the day before. His girlfriend, Carine Lauret, gave birth to son Timothée in a French hospital – a month ahead of schedule. Due to the unexpected timing, it was physically impossible for Simon to return to France in time for the birth, and he decided to play on.

“It was difficult to find the motivation.” Simon said of his second round match (via nytimes.com), “On the court, my concentration wasn’t there all the time.”

It’s not exactly the best attitude to have before meeting Rafael Nadal in his third round match on Sunday. Then again, Simon really isn’t hoping to beat him (via nytimes.com):

“If I win, it’s fabulous,” Simon said of his match vs. Rafa. “And if I lose, it’s even more fabulous.”

Feliciations to the new papa and bonne chance in the third round. . .I guess!